Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. It was the mantra that ushered in the green beauty movement. Introducing a new wave of climate neutral beauty brands.
Progressive beauty brands and consumers alike realized that they needed a way to lower their impact on the environment, and this became the conscious consumption mantra of the decade. It included everything from distribution to ingredients, with packaging being the main focus. Many pioneering brands accepted the challenge, making commitments to:
- Switch to lightweight, recyclable and reusable and refillable alternatives
- Pursue plastic alternatives
- Replace conventional inks and dyes with non-petroleum-based materials
- Develop concentrated, solid products that required less packaging
All laudable. All helpful. And all scoring genuine declines in carbon footprints. These efforts also created an informed customer – that’s you – who today expects reduction in harm at the very least. It’s no longer enough to simply maintain status quo. Companies and consumers must take the lead together to create a climate neutral culture.
Climate Neutral. The New Reality.
Reality check: everything that’s made, bought, sold and disposed of leaves a carbon trail. So even if we recycle all the world’s plastic, for example, there’s still a cost to the planet. How much, you ask? There are a few innovative organizations who can help companies become climate neutral beauty brands with this very calculation.
These organizations are joined by scientists, environmental activists and conscious consumers who all agree that the world must reach carbon neutrality by 2050. That means that for every metric tonne of greenhouse gas emissions, an equal or greater carbon credit is purchased to offset its negative impact. One carbon credit removes or avoids one tonne of carbon emissions. It’s sort of like these credits pay for our emission sins. If it sounds a little too convenient to be credible, you’re not alone. Many have questioned the long-term impact of such programs, but before we chalk it up to another form of greenwashing, let’s explore the mechanics of becoming a climate neutral beauty brand.
How Does It Work?
First, companies must take the responsibility to measure their carbon footprint, including direct emissions, like fuel you burn, to indirect emissions, like the emissions released from extracting raw materials. If this sounds downright daunting, don’t worry. There are smart softwares that can calculate this for you, sometimes in a matter of hours or days.
Based on your emissions have been calculated, a company will purchase enough credits to offset them, removing them from the atmosphere. These credits can be redeemed for something as simple as planting trees or investing in new forms of energy, or as far-reaching as providing more fuel-efficient cookers for families in a developing country. The entities that develop carbon-eliminating programs are verified by a third-party and vetted against rigorous standards, including the Big Six requirements: carbon-eliminating processes must be real, permanent, quantifiable, verifiable, enforceable and additional.
And finally, a climate neutral beauty brand should aim to reduce its emissions in general, so fewer credits are required. A smart reduction plan includes the target, a timeline and a plan for implementation.
The net result is that the greenhouse gas emissions produced are equal to or less than the amount being captured or taken away from the environment. This is the goal. This is Net Zero.
Our Climate Neutral Crew
While all of our brands at Beauty Heroes are working to produce people and planet-friendly products, giving back, and using manufacturing and packaging practices that help reduce their carbon footprints, a few of our brands have made the pledge to Climate Neutrality.
INNERSENSE ORGANIC BEAUTY
In April 2021, Innersense, known for its clean, pure, toxin-free hair care products, announced its partnership with Climate Neutral–an independent non-profit organization that helps companies measure their carbon footprint, offset it by purchasing quality carbon credits and reduce emissions. As of this July 2021, Innersense will offset 100% of their environmental impact.
“By adding the Climate Neutral label to our bottles, our consumers can have complete faith in our business practices, intentions and in our brand,” says Greg Starkman, Founder of Innersense Organic Beauty. “We are delighted to join other brands who are taking the lead by addressing climate change at the micro level.”
URSA MAJOR
By joining forces with rePurpose Global, Ursa Major Clean Skincare has pledged to reduce the future use of virgin plastics in its products by building a more circular business and delivery model. In addition, the company operates from a climate neutral office, product 90% of their outer packaging in a carbon neutral facility using 100% renewable energy. And, expect more announcements in the coming months…
According to Oliver Sweatman, Co-Founder of Ursa Major, “Our mission is to help more people look, feel and do their best by infusing their skincare–and their lives–with a healthy doses of the great outdoors, while ensuring our business leaves no trace.” He goes on to say, “Becoming Plastic Negative with rePurpose Global is an important step in furthering our commitment to making a net positive contribution to people and the planet.”
VINTNER’S DAUGHTER
Vintner’s Daughter recently announced their Climate Neutral initiative, updating business practices and purchasing carbon offsets setting them on the path towards becoming 100% Carbon Neutral this year.
Based on the principles of unparalleled quality and efficacy, founder April Gargiulo insists on making the very best of everything. “We exist not only to impact your skin in the most beneficial ways, but to have a positive impact on the world. Gargiulo goes on to say, “Social and environmental responsibility are infused into every aspect of our business, from sourcing and packaging to distribution, voluntary certifications, and donating 2% of revenue to charities benefiting women, children and the environment. We are deeply proud of our Climate Neutral standing.”
LINNÉ
Linné founder Jenna Levine has always made decisions with an eye to the future. “I try to think in terms of longevity, even when making temporary or quick decisions.” That philosophy has been instrumental in Linné’s journey to carbon neutrality. Through the purchase of carbon offsets from Native, Linné is investing in the Southern Plains Land Trust. They are not only sequestering carbon, they’re helping to preserve the grasslands, ecosystem and wildlife of the Medford Springs Grasslands in Colorado.
“We’re even making it simple for consumers to offset some of their own emissions through the purchase of household carbon credits supporting the Medford Springs Project–HelpBuild. They simply ‘add to cart’ at checkout.”
BATHING CULTURE
Tim Hollinger and Spencer Arnold founded Bathing Culture based on “the critical and urgent need for the industry to evolve and transform in our lifetime to address the environmental crisis.”
For them, achieving carbon neutrality includes biodegradable, concentrated, all-purpose, toxin-free formulas. Through a combination of initiatives they became carbon-neutral in 2020 by planting one tree for every five gallons they sell, offset their non-bike powered transportation by buying carbon credits; and they exist on 100% renewable energy. Oh, and in 2020 they also achieved #NoNewPlastics company-wide.
ERE PEREZ
Certified carbon neutral by The Carbon Reduction Institute, founder Ere Perez’s mission is “to inspire you to make more conscious lifestyle choices for your health and the planet.” All greenhouse gas emissions are offset by funding carbon-neutral energy initiatives at this Australian boutique brand.
As signatories of the UN Global Compact, Ere Perez is committed to corporate sustainability principles–regarding human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
MAYA CHIA
“We have an increasing responsibility to commit additional resources toward positively impacting our planet,” according Maya Chia founder Susanne Norwitz. “We are formulating the future.”
To that end, Maya Chia has become one of the few e-commerce brands to offset carbon emissions related to getting orders to doorsteps. “With every order, we automatically purchase offsets through our partner EcoCart. These purchases support wind and solar farms, protect trees and animals and support underserved communities,” says Norwitz. “We are eliminating, capturing or otherwise mitigating the carbon emissions we create.”
YÜLI
Yüli has already achieved carbon-neutrality with a combination of offsets, operations powered by renewal energy, sustainable harvests and bio-dynamic cultivation, YÜLI skincare has worked diligently towards achieving their carbon neutral status.
“We source fresh, raw plant material on-site and we work closely with nature to extend the well-being of the plant and soil,” says founder Yun Li. “We also minimize human interruption and remove exposure to pollution, chemicals and pesticides.”
INDIE LEE
Founder Indie Lee integrated and developed the concept of Green Chemistry–greener chemical processes as opposed to more traditional processes that can be detrimental to the planet. A champion for sustainability, her Indie Lee brand is COSMOS Certified–helping to regulate sustainable production and consumption.
“Helping our customers reduce their carbon footprint is one of my passions for our planet,” says Lee. “Our partnership with Cloverly allows us to deliver carbon-neutral shipping for online shopping giving our customers the option to make their deliveries carbon neutral for a nominal fee.”
Net Zero: Not a Zero Sum Game
We can clearly see how much of the onus is on companies to measure, offset and reduce their emissions in order to reach our global 2050 goal. But, conscious consumers are just as much a part of the equation. In addition to seeking out carbon neutral companies and brands to support with your dollar, here are 5 easy ways to reduce your own carbon footprint, however small.
- Reassess the way you use transportation. Drive less. Choose electric vehicles. Consider walking or riding a bike on shorter journeys.
- Cut down on, or eliminate, meat from your diet. Red meat causes environmental damage due to the vast amount of land, water and feed necessary to maintain livestock. Eat low on the food chain–vegetables, fruits, grains and greens!
- Resell or donate unwanted items. Buying clothing from vintage shops or thrift stores in an excellent way to reuse clothing and reduce its air miles and space in landfills.
- Reduce your intake of single-use plastic. Or just, you know, give it up for good.
- Keep an eye on your water usage. Make sure the dishwasher and washing machines are doing full loads and no more long songs in the shower.
